Are there benefits of purchasing the air line tickets along w/cruise? It apprears to be over a $1,000 savings to book ourselves, but wondering if there is a reason we should just pay all together?

First Time Cruiser this December. =)
Thanks for any info...

With cruise air, the transfers from the airport and the ship are included otherwise there isn't a lot of advantage for using cruise line air. There may be advantages if it is an international flight or a cruise that leaves from one port and ends in another.

Once upon a time the cruise lines could buy bulk airline tickets and offer significantly lower prices to cruisers. Those days are long gone.

Also; the cruise line acts as an "agent" of the airlines and will take no direct responsibility if there is a problem with your flights. If the airline cancels your flight due to weather or mechanical problems and you miss the cruise then you are out of luck. The cruise line may delay the departure of the ship if a large number of passengers are on a delayed flight but they won't hold the ship for a few people. If you make it to the port city the cruise line may assist you with traveling to the ship's first port.

I do suggest that you book your own air, fly in a day early to avoid the off chance of any delays and enjoy the savings.

Take care,
Mike

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